'House of Cards' star Corey Stoll to star in FX pilot 'The Strain'

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“The Strain” is described by the network as a “high concept thriller” that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather (Stoll), the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in NYC. He and his team are tasked to investigate a mysterious viral outbreak with hallmarks of an ancient and evil strain of vampirism. As the strain begins to spread, the team, along with a group of everyday New Yorkers, must fight in a war for the fate of humanity itself.

“To me, having the right lead for ‘The Strain’ series was perhaps the most important creative task,” del Toro said in a statement. “To be able to secure the perfect actor in Corey Stoll sets the project on the right track. To embody a character like Ephraim Goodweather – who transitions through every emotion and situation imaginable, and which anchors the narrative of the series – requires amazing talent and craft. Corey has both in spades as he has demonstrated it over and over again.”

“The Strain” is based on the best-selling vampire novel trilogy from del Toro and author Chuck Hogan. They will co-write the pilot script, with del Toro attached to direct. Famed writer and producer Carlton Cuse (“Lost”) will oversee the series with del Toro as an executive producer, acting as showrunner, should the pilot go to series. Production on the pilot is set to begin in September 2013